Vol. 52 » Issue 1

volume 52, Issue 1 September 25, 2013

Walt whitman High school

7100 whittier boulevard

Bethesda, maryland 20817

theblackandwhite.net

Tech Mod ‘13 brings unexpected problems

photo by TYLER JACOBSON

By Sarah Friedman

It’s Thursday afternoon, four days into the first week of school. Sheryl Freedman asks her AP Psychology class to take out their smartphones and load a YouTube video.

“1, 2, 3, play!” she says, and the room fills with the sound of 25 smart phones playing the video.

They are a bit unsynchronized.

When the video ends, she squeezes in front of the desks to reach the three feet of whiteboard next to the Promethean to teach her lesson. Using the Promethean isn’t an option because she can’t log onto her computer.

Freedman hasn’t been alone in her technology dilemma. Teachers, staff and students are experiencing a plethora of issues, which IT systems specialist Greg Thomas attributes to hasty network and hardware updates conducted over the summer.

Whitman’s network makeover occurred because the school was one of 10 high schools scheduled for “Tech Mod 13.” The Tech Mod process is conducted by MCPS’ Office of Global Technology in a quarter of their schools on a rolling basis each summer. It requires elaborate planning and preparation. But, this year’s modernization was announced at short notice and completed by an inexperienced crew, Thomas said. Tech Mod changes have led to connection problems with the school’s printers, computers and other devices.

Whitman’s technology network includes 645 computers, 35 printers, 84 security cameras, and other equipment, Thomas said.

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Bradley Hills ES makes eco-friendly Football shuts out B-CC in 24-0 win renovations, installs “green roof ” Junior tight end Anton Casey hauls in a 15-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Evan Smith in the Vikes win over B-CC, improving their record to 2-1 on the season. Casey led the team in receiving yards, with three receptions for 58 yards.

Pyle student sings with Green Day, skyrockets to Youtube fame

By Emma Anderson

All music fans love going to concerts, hearing their favorite bands play live and jamming out in the audience to head-banging tunes. But for Pyle seventh grader Davis Gestiehr, this wasn’t enough. He dreamed of being on stage and playing alongside his idols.

Davis went with his family to a Green Day concert at the Patriot Center April 4, his third time seeing the punk rock band. At each concert, the band picks someone out of the audience and brings them onstage to sing their song “Longview.” Davis was in the front row and had high hopes.

His dad made him a poster reading “I’m twelve years old. Please let me sing ‘Longview’” and held it up throughout the concert. Lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong saw it and chose Davis to perform with him. Davis was pulled on stage and handed a microphone. But before he started to rock out in front of 13,000 fans, Armstrong asked him to recite the lyrics of the song to him,

Inside Look

4 NEWS

flipped classroom:

one year +/later

to make sure he knew the words.

“I didn’t really have time to think,” David said. “I just had to get up there and do it. It was scary but it was really awesome.”

It wasn’t until after he got off the stage that he had time to process what just happened.

“I thought to myself, ‘Oh my gosh, I just talked to my idol’,” Davis said.

The once-in-a-lifetime performance ended up on YouTube and now has over 93,000 views.

Before Davis walked off stage, lead singer Billy Joe rewarded him with his Thunder Telecaster guitar. He now considers it a prized possession.

“Sometimes, I just stare at it and admire it,” Davis said.

The Green Day concert was Davis’ biggest stage so far, but he has always been a performer.

Davis has now become pretty well known around the area, performing not only at spots around Bethesda and D.C., but at fundraisers and at Nationals, Orioles and Wizards games.

By Casey Noenickx

Look up at the new roof of Bradley Hills and you’ll find a veritable ecosystem in full bloom, one of several eco-friendly changes put in place after nearly two years of reconstruction.

The roof, situated on the new section of the building, is covered with plants and soil to help filter run-off and to create a habitat for birds and other animals. The school also installed new parking lots made of pervious concrete that absorb rain water to reduce runoff.

MCPS scheduled a classroom addition in 2008 to solve capacity issues and to accommodate new students transferring from Bethesda Elementary, which was also over capacity.

“Bradley Hills was already burgeoning,” Whitman PTA president Jodi McGill said. “The school had around five portables, and the county was concerned about our growth, so they decided to add on to Bradley Hills.”

Storm water management has become an important emphasis in renovations, Bradley Hills’ principal Sandra Reece said. For Bradley Hills, reducing run-off is a priority because the new building takes up the majority of the property.

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6 OPINION 9/ Not just another date

10 FEATURE 15 SPORTS Hot

Yoga

??

Obscure Sports at Whitman

???

16 Q&A Interview with Head Chef

Andrew Fleischauer

September 25, 2013

News Briefs

NEWS

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By Matthew Yang Two years ago, freshman Jaiwen Hsu received the greatest news he could ever receive: he was in remission. Hsu was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer common among children, in January 2011. Later that year, in August, he found out he was cancer-free.

Ever since Hsu was declared in remission, he has been looking for ways to give back to the hospital that took care of him. As soon as Hsu found out about the upcoming “Race for Every Child” cancer walk Oct. 5, he immediately signed up.

The 5K walk is a fundraiser for cancer research, with a focus on cancers common among children. Hsu will be leading his own team, “The Jai-Walkers,” in the walk at Freedom Plaza in D.C. “I feel as if I walk not to celebrate my progress, but to give back and show support towards the hospital,” Hsu said. “During my treatment there, the entire staff team treated me as family and helped both my mom and I through the hard days.”

Bethesda Elementary no longer aWhitman feeder

By Casey Noenickx Students at Bradley Hills Elementary started their school year Aug. 26 in both a new building and with new classmates.

Roughly 80 Bethesda Elementary students from kindergarten through fourth grade moved to Bradley Hills as a result of adjusted boundaries between the two schools.

Both schools were originally over capacity, and BE had split articulation, meaning a portion of students fed into Pyle Middle School instead of Westland. The renovations at Bradley Hills enabled the school to accommodate the BE students bound for Pyle, also solving the capacity issues.

The 80 students who transferred to Bradley Hills comprised about 10 percent of the total student population at BE. Fifth grade students at BE were grandfathered in at the school to allow them to finish their last year, Bradley Hills principal Sandra Reece said.

“This really cleaned up the articulation pattern a lot,” Reece said. “So, it’s all a good thing.”

Whitman PTA president Jodi McGill said both issues had been studied since 2009, but the final solution was able to “kill two birds with one stone,” she said.

SpeechandDebateteam namesnewheadcoach

By Sarah Friedman For the fourth time in five years, the Speech and Debate team selected a new head coach.

The team announced Aug. 29 that Gavin Mease, a senior at George Mason University, will replace Iaan Reynolds, who left the team at the end of last year. Mease will be stepping up from his position last year as an assistant coach for speech.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity for myself to move to the next level,” Mease said. “It’s exciting and hectic at the same time.”

Mease is taking his fall semester off at George Mason to intern at the Major League Baseball and focus on his coaching duties.

He has years of experience debating in high school and coaching at various debate summer institutes.

Mease also has a unique angle as head coach because he has worked closely with the speech team, unlike many past coaches who are more familiar with debate, said speech captain Alex Bloch.

Vice President Jessica Levy believes that Mease will be a “great asset to the team” by serving administrative and strategic roles and said she looks forward to a successful season under his leadership.

“I have high hopes for this season,” Levy, a senior, said. “ The team has an exciting mix of very experienced seniors leading incredibly talented underclassmen. I foresee lots of success across events this year.”

photo by Alison Poffley

Student to lead team in walk for cancer

Lead actress Erin Craig, a junior, sings a solo in one of the first rehearsals for “Miss Saigon.” The Vietnam war drama replaced “In The Heights” in a last-minute shift that caught many students by surprise. The musical will premiere Nov. 21.

Students scramble to accommodate musical change Vietnam War drama replaces Latin-influenced hip-hop show

By Adam Simon Junior Erin Craig spent most of her summer perfecting the art of salsa dancing while developing a convincing Dominican accent. But now, with only two months until opening night, Craig must spend her time learning a new accent, for a new musical.

In a Aug. 22 email to the Whitman community, Christopher Gerken, director and sponsor of Whitman Drama, announced that the fall musical would be changed from “In the Heights” to “Miss Saigon.”

In his email, he attributed the last-minute change to “recent and unforeseen changes beyond our control.”

Whitman choreographer Melani Drummer “was not able to be with us full time, so we had to switch to a less danceheavy show,” Craig said.

“Miss Saigon” is a poprock musical set during the Vietnam War and is known for its elaborate use of technical effects. This is a huge shift from “In the Heights,” which is a dance-heavy hip-hop musical set in Washington Heights in New York City.

Some students who anticipated being in the show spent the summer preparing for

“In the Heights” by attending productions of the show, taking salsa lessons and working on their audition pieces. Craig even spent 3 weeks in New York performing in another production of “In the Heights” over the summer, she said.

The change in the musicals also brought problems and new challenges for the tech crew, producer Caroline Duffy said.

“Most production staff have been planning all summer so we had to scrap all of our old plans and put together new ones in just a few weeks,” Duffy, a senior, said.

Senior Jake Zeisel, who has participated in past productions, was planning on trying out for “In the Heights,” but hesitated to audition once the musical changed. Zeisel eventually changed his mind, and auditioned for the musical.

“The staff did a great job of switching the focus to Miss Saigon in a second,” Zeisel said, “and they have done a lot to get people excited about this new show.”

Gerken, who will now not only direct but also choreograph the show, made accommodations to help students adapt to the new show in two weeks instead of three months. As a result,

Gerken allowed students to use the same audition song that they would have used for “In the Heights.”

“It hit most people out of nowhere and was a complete surprise, but people handled it really well,” said Craig. “People just made it work for ‘Miss Saigon.’”

Despite the last-minute nature of the change, students are excited for the new play.

“There are going to be a lot of really awesome special effects used in the show,” Duffy said. The original Broadway production included a mock helicopter landing on stage, and the tech crew is enthusiastic to recreate this scene.

Because of the musical’s connection to the Vietnam War, the cast and crew plans on also performing for wounded soldiers at the Walter Reed Military Hospital. They will donate part of the musical’s proceeds to an organization for wounded soldiers and host a panel at Whitman with war veterans to talk about their experiences, Duffy said.

“I don’t think people would randomly burst into song during the Vietnam War,” Craig said. “But the story has a lot of truth behind it.”

Bradley Hills Elementary installs “green roof ”to prevent storm runoff continued from page

1

The roof features sedum plants, a watertight alternative to grass that soaks up more rainwater in a storm, limiting runoff and pollution from the school, In addition, three swales, large dips in the ground behind the school, also limit run-off and keep the rain water fresh. Once water collects in these wells, it will not pick up pollution from the streets as it flows

to storm drains, Reece said.

State regulations require MCPS to use as many environmentally friendly innovations as possible during renovations, making vegetative roof systems common on all new buildings and additions.

The first vegetative roof was planted in 2005 at Northwood High School as a pilot project, with a total of 900 square feet. It wasn’t until 2012 that four more roofs sprouted in schools throughout the county. By

2014, MCPS hopes to have over 400,000 total square feet of green roof installed, Superintendent Joshua Starr wrote in a memo this year.

“Our new building definitely reflects the fact that we have to be conscious of the environment,” Reece said, “and we can do that by being thoughtful. It’s nice to have a building that provides these teachable moments.”

september 21, 2012

News

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Printer and network problems leave teachers, students frustrated continued from page

1

Printers have caused the largest and most troublesome problems, reported nearly two thirds of the 26 respondents to a Black & White survey sent to all staff.

IT specialists in MCPS usually have four months to prepare for a Tech Mod update. This year, the Office of Global Technology didn’t tell specialists to begin their preparations until a week before the installation would occur.

“The four-month process is critical for the network,” Thomas said. “It’s an elaborate process.”

Usually, the county hires ten-month MCPS employees who have chosen to work over the summer. Many have had past experience with the Tech Mod process. But the short notice meant that these more experienced crews had found other summer unemployment, Thomas said, leaving Whitman with an inexperienced crew.

Despite Thomas’ instructions to leave printers in place, the Tech Mod installation crew removed all but 15 network printers from classrooms and offices and put them on large pallets in the band room.

Thomas was able to salvage a few of the old printers, including two 11x17 color printers, before the county came to remove the printers and pallets, but about a dozen were broken. The school received 15 new network printers. When the Black & White went to press Sept. 23, 35 printers were up and running, compared to 81 before Tech Mod, Thomas said.

Thomas said it was the county’s responsibility to replace the remaining 45 printers, a time consuming task.

Over the past three weeks, the Black & White made repeated requests for information from the MCPS Office of Global Technology; from Dana Tofig, director of the Office of Public Information and Web Services; and from Superintendent Joshua Starr. MCPS officials did not respond to these requests.

Some teachers and staff still have no

connection to a printer from their classroom or office computers, and many others have a long walk to the nearest working printer.

“It’s little moments that get added up throughout the day that take up planning and organizing time,” Freedman said.

In Child Development, printing in color is essential to make engaging materials for the children, but the classroom is missing their color printer.

“Students need to leave my room to pick up printed materials,” said teacher Marjorie Eiserike. “This impacts classroom management-writing passes, who’s out, where are they, etc.

Prep time takes longer because I also have to go to another location to pick up printed materials.”

Computer labs A-234 and A-236 have also been struggling without access to a working printer, composition assistant Cathy Neff said.

Each lab received two new printers through Tech Mod, but they haven’t been connected to the network yet.

Since students can’t print their work, they have to submit completed assignments to their teachers’ hand-in folders, leaving the teachers sometimes to print more than 100 documents on another printer outside the lab.

“I’m really embarrassed,” Neff said. “I have a computer lab. I have 32 computers in each lab with brand new printers, but students can’t print out their work.”

The virtual-submit method isn’t always reliable.

Susan Buckingham’s second period AP English Language class uploaded in-class essays to the hand-in folder, only to find that all of their essays disappeared from the school’s server. The five students who didn’t have a copy backed up on their account had to write a new essay from scratch, Buckingham said.

“I was so flustered,” senior Maddy Bucher said. “I was literally thinking to myself, ‘How could the school let this type of thing happen?’

It’s common to have computer issues, but when an entire class’ stuff is erased, there’s a bigger issue at hand.”

In its time-constrained operation, this summer’s crew skipped many essential steps to a successful Tech Mod. The school did not receive a new server, like they usually do for Tech Mod. As a result, the current server is filling up, putting more stress on the network, Thomas said.

The work crew usually takes apart the old network and sets up the new one, but this time they only stayed long enough to replace each computer, leaving Thomas to set up the new network. Teachers experienced some problems with computers that had not been connected to the network.

“We had a couple of teachers who went a couple of days without access to the network,” said Donald DeMember, the science resource teacher. “That was frustrating.”

Unlike Whitman, Northwood High School had a relatively smooth Tech Mod process.

“It went very well here,” said IT systems specialist David Flagg. “The biggest problem was not knowing it was happening before July, but they did do a fairly decent job getting them installed in the time they said they were going to.”

At a county principals meeting Sept. 11, Goodwin learned that other schools that carried out Tech Mod over the summer were running into issues similar to Whitman’s, he said.

“They are having the same problems we are, “ Goodwin said. “But I think we’re getting it together a little more quickly,” he said.

Goodwin said he hopes to have printer problems resolved by mid-October.

photo by ABBY CUTLER

School undergoes wifi installation; internet available throughout building

Whitman was outfitted with school-wide wifi over the summer. Netcom employees continue to work on improving internet speed with fiber optic cables.

bySarahFriedman&RaquelWeinberg Principal Alan Goodwin imagines a future where students are carrying tablets to class every day to take notes, view textbooks, and complete assignments online. With the newly installed wifi, his idea might not be too far off.

MCPS began installing a complete wireless internet network at Whitman over the summer to comply with the county’s goal of having every school wirelessenabled by the end of September.

The project is ongoing as Netcom foremen update the wifi with fiber optic cables to ensure faster internet connectivity, foreman Rob Yates said last week. Netcom, a Rockville-based telecommunications company, handles MCPS’ cabling and technology installation, security camera systems and technical staffing.

When the system is operational, teachers and staff will be able to access the internet from 30 laptops that serve as roving computer labs. The three carts of 10 laptops are for teachers to reserve in the same way they would sign up for computer lab time.

Not everyone thinks the wifi installation is worth the cost. IT Systems Specialist Greg Thomas notes that the

70-plus wireless access points around the school bring the total cost of the project to about $100,000.

“I don’t think we actually need wifi now,” Thomas said. “They could just install one or two access points in the main office.”

It is difficult to limit student access to the wifi and keep the password secure.

Students already have the password and have accessed the wifi on their mobile phones and laptops. The county plans to change the password in the next two weeks, Goodwin wrote in an email to staff Sept. 18.

The wifi poses new challenges to teachers and administrators, particularly concerning students using personal laptop in class. Allowing personal devices with unrestricted internet access adds distractions to the classroom and creates issues for students who don’t have their own laptop, Goodwin said.

“We don’t yet have any direction,” Goodwin said. “It’s defining itself.”

Ultimately, Goodwin said he believes the benefits and opportunities outweigh the disadvantages: “It’s going to be the wave of the future,” he said.

4

NEWS

Innovative teaching method in Calculus AB produces little change

RL pre-calculus teacher Wildstrom to share teaching workload for first year

Kuhn still believes new format is more time efficient

photo by ABIGAIL CUTLER

By Matt Yang After over 20 years of teaching rapid learners pre-calculus, math teacher Susan Wildstrom is starting to pass on the torch.

For the first time this year, math teacher Meg Thatcher is teaching one of the two sections of RL, as the course is known, due to an overload of students enrolled in multivariable calculus, which is taught solely by Wildstrom. There are 90 students signed up for MV this year, the highest enrollment the class has ever seen, according to Wildstrom.

RL, made popular by Wildstrom, and is designed to let students discover math concepts rather than obtain the information through lectures. The course is a more indepth and challenging version of honors pre-calculus.

“RL is a chance for students to have a little bit more of ‘discovery learning,’” Thatcher said. “It’s more on the students to discover the relationships that we discuss. For example, instead of me giving my students a formula, they have to discover the formula by looking at relationships.”

Wildstrom is glad that Thatcher decided to take up one of the RL classes, she said.

“I will not live forever, nor will I teach forever,” Wildstrom said.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

Wildstrom will split RL classes with Thatcher after a spike in MV calculus students.

“If when I retire those two courses cease to exist, it would be a horrible thing. It is really important that there are teachers ready to teach these classes. So it’s actually a wonderful thing that Ms. Thatcher decided to spend this year teaching one of the RL classes.”

For the first time since Wildstrom has been teaching RL, she can collaborate with another teacher on the curriculum. Wildstrom and Thatcher work well together, Thatcher said.

Wildstrom asked Thatcher to teach RL because of her many years of experience teaching honors precalculus. She is looking forward to teaching the class and thinks the year is off to a good start, she said.

Although Wildstrom is grateful that Thatcher is teaching one of the RL classes this year, the transition has been tough nonetheless.

“I think of RL as my baby,” she said. “There is just something about RL that taps into my love of math.”

by Catherine Waye Last year, AP Calculus AB teacher Jim Kuhn tried out the “flipped classroom” teaching technique on his students because of its more efficient use of time.

In Kuhn’s flipped classroom, students complete homework in class and learn the material at home through lesson plan videos on Kuhn’s website. Occasionally, students review the material during class to reinforce concepts learned online. Despite the flipped classroom’s more efficient use of time, students’ AP scores haven’t changed as a result of the new structure.

In Kuhn’s first seven years of teaching AP Calculus AB, 70 percent of his students scored a four or five on the AP test, he said.

During last year’s trial run with the flipped method, that percentage remained pretty much the same.

“A one percent increase in our kids getting a four or five would be a huge jump for us because there are already so many kids who get those scores here,” he said. “It’s hard to really bring that number up. I was glad to see it didn’t drop off at all.”

Kuhn has made several changes this year, as he cut some material to make more time for reteaching in class. He considers his class a hybrid between online teaching and in-class teaching.

Many college classrooms, including some at Harvard and Penn State, have a similar structure to Kuhn’s flipped classroom. Kuhn’s idea was inspired by Virginia Tech’s Math Emporium, a center for study outside of traditional math classes where students can

learn material independently or with the help of private tutoring from professors, Kuhn said.

Kuhn enjoys the opportunities he now has to get to know his students through one-on-one teaching. The majority of his students preferred the flipped structure because of its “timesaving ability,” he said. Students only have to watch up to 15 minutes of lessons online each night and then complete problem sets in class.

Senior Joey Gumataotao felt that his performance in the class would have been better in the traditional setting, but appreciated the lighter homework load, he said.

Some of Kuhn’s current students aren’t as happy with a non-traditional classroom.

“I don’t know how it’s going to turn out, but honestly I would rather not do the flipped classroom,” said a senior currently taking the class. “I’m kind of annoyed that I didn’t at least have the option for AB that didn’t involve this way of teaching.”

Kuhn does recognize that the flipped classroom has some disadvantages. Students can’t ask questions on the spot while learning the material and they may forget to ask them in class.

In addition, there are always distractions at home that don’t exist in the classroom, he said.

Ultimately, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, Kuhn said, adding that he would recommend this style of teaching for other classes.

“I love it, absolutely love it,” he said. “I definitely think it’s the wave of the future.”

SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

Opinion

5

Offering cost and health benefits; Genetically Staff Editorial: New courtyard Modified Organisms shouldn’t be avoided rennovations improve student space

Association for the Advancement of Science, have posted statements on their websites attesting to the safety of genetically modified crops. What about fish and other animals? The FDA made a decision—as it does for

every modified product—that the AquAdvantage salmon are safe for human consumption.

GMOs could actually be safer than normally produced foods. More DNA is transferred— and with more dangerous consequences—during normal plant breeding techniques than with genetic modification, the Scientific American published in a September editorial. Whereas plants swap genes randomly during conventional farming, scientists can choose precisely which genes they want to implant during genetic modification.

Farmers have turned to GMO crops, particularly modified corn and soybeans, because they’re hardy enough to withstand most droughts and pests. Farmers are thus able to produce more crops for less, according to an article by a former USDA official in the British newspaper The Guardian. When parents shop at mainstream supermarkets, they also benefit—with more supply and lower costs for farmers, prices are lower.

The scientists who study GMOs agree they shouldn’t be feared. As long as the government continues to test rigorously every new type of food that has been altered, risks are minimal and food becomes cheaper and more accessible to all.

So next time you’re snacking on a genetically modified Dorito or slurping down a Coke with altered corn syrup, relax. You’re safe.

The courtyard renovation, completed over the summer, replaced the azaleas bordering the area with sod. The change will make upkeep and maintenance for the courtyard easier.

photo courtesy ABBY CUTLER

In a welcome change that not only looks better but also saves maintenance staff much effort, the administration has replaced the bushes that used to grow around the perimeter of the courtyard with sod.

The bushes posed several problems. Not only did maintenance staff have to lay between 50 and 60 bags of mulch each year, rake it smooth and keep it off the sidewalk, but after all that effort, weeds constantly poked through. The county regulates that the school cannot use pesticides, so weeds had to be pulled by hand.

The administration wanted students to be in a proper outdoor environment, and this does not include sitting close to weeds, said business manager Eddy Campbell. The new vegetation creates a cleaner, better environment, he said. Now students can sit on the grass during lunch. The change also makes the courtyard look bigger and brighter, some students say.

Maintaining the new look will be much easier and will take less time. Besides mulching, weeding and trimming the bushes, staff spent far too many hours retrieving cups and paper from behind the bushes every day, Campbell said. Now trash collection is much easier. Also, it only takes 30 minutes to cut the grass periodically. It will be watered every day for two months to make sure the grass takes root, but then rainfall will take over the job.

There still is, however, room for improvement.

The courtyard would look even better with a few flowers for color. Bulbs, which could be planted now and bloom in early spring, would be a good choice because they require no maintenance and grow back every year, environmental science teacher Sherri Gingrich suggested.

The sod, which was purchased for $5,400 using money donated in part from the PTSA, is well worth its price. With or without the flowers, the administration made a smart move with the new vegetation that looks better and saves substantial man-power.

By Ben Titlebaum While genetically modified organisms may sound like creatures ripped from the pages of a science fiction novel, consumers are buying them everywhere— from 7-11 to the Whole Foods on River Road.

The term GMO describes plants or animals that have genetic material added from other species to enhance their growth and viability. Despite the clear benefits of GMOs, several organizations, including the influential NonGMO project, condemn the lack of adequate research on the possible risks of GMOs. These accusations have sparked a panic.

A June ABC News poll found that 52 percent of Americans believe GMOs are unsafe.

Similarly, an informal survey of about 40 Whitman students revealed that about half of Whitman students think GMOs could be dangerous. And local mainstays like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Target have pledged not to sell any genetically modified seafood after the media firestorm over AquAdvantage salmon, a genetically engineered fish that grows more quickly than normal salmon.

Fortunately, these fears over modified food are unfounded.

The scientific community has rejected the myth that GMOs are unsafe. Prominent organizations, including the American Medical Association, the National Academy of Sciences, the World Health Organization and the American

Volume 52, 51, Issue 18 2013-2014 2012-2013

The Black & White is published 8 times a year by the students of Walt Whitman High School, 7100 Whittier Blvd., Bethesda, MD, 20817. The Black & White is an open forum for student views. Students and staff can pick up the paper free of charge. Mail subscriptions cost $35. The newspaper aims to both inform and entertain.

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6

opinion

september 25, 2013

New standardized collegiate test another unnecessary hurdle

Holiday on 9/11 would properly honor sacrifice, heroism by scott singer It’s been over 12 years since the most devastating terrorist attack in American history. A few weeks ago on September 11, we observed an annual moment of silence to remember victims of the terrible tragedy. But perhaps more noteworthy than that moment of silence was the silence from students’ non-discussion of 9/11.

As more people are born into the post-9/11 era, the horror, heroism and change that occurred that day will be forgotten, too. A recent CBS News article reported a push by relatives of 9/11 victims to declare the day a federal holiday.

Indeed, we should give students the day off to ensure that the sacrifice and enormity of the event will never be forgotten.

Twelve years later, major newspapers that were dominated by coverage of the attacks in 2001 were remarkably sparse in their 9/11 coverage. The New York Times, among many other national newspapers, made no front page mention of the 9/11 attacks on the day.

This national nonchalance is apparent in our everyday lives as well. The law declaring September 11 “Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance” requests that Americans fly flags at half-mast and observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., the exact time the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center’s North Tower.

The school’s recognition of the day didn’t follow this protocol. Our moment of silence came at 7:25, the start of the school day and a more convenient time. We rushed a 15 second silence—while students were still filing into the school—instead of participating in a meaningful reflection of the day, seemingly just to say that we did “something” to remember.

No matter how much time passes, the day will remain extraordinary. It provoked our participation in two wars.

The way we approach our national security in everyday life— when we board an airplane for example—forever changed because of what happened that day.

I was four years old when we were attacked. I don’t remember much—I think my pre-school teacher told me to hide under the desk in preparation for a fire drill. I am one of the youngest people to have any sort of faint memory of 9/11. I have to wonder, without a holiday, what will my children think when they hear about the 9/11 attacks 30 years down the road?

Although I have few memories of the event, little makes my heart pound more than seeing videos of people jumping off buildings in a desperate attempt to save themselves, or pictures of firefighters raising the American flag on Ground Zero.

Many in this country ached like never before. After, we rose from the ashes and demonstrated amazing patriotism, selflessness—national unity—qualities we have seldom exhibited in recent years. And without a national holiday, just 12 years later, 9/11 stands to become not a time for reflection but simply another date.

Ethan Taswell Just when seniors thought they were finished with standardized testing, a new exam stands to spoil their newfound freedom in college. The new Collegiate Learning Assessment Plus (CLA+), while in some ways beneficial, is ultimately just another in a long line of misguided standardized exams.

Next year more than 200 colleges will be adopting the CLA+, including members of the University of California system and University of Texas system. The CLA+ was created by the Council for Aid to Education, a non-profit dedicated to researching and supporting higher education. Students will take the CLA+ as they enter college their freshman year, and then four years later upon graduation. The main reason behind the CLA+’s creation was rampant grade inflation throughout colleges that has left employers distrustful of many four-year degrees, said Tom Lindsay, an expert in higher education for the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

The CLA+ addresses this concern by providing a reference point in considering job applicants (the test is on the familiar 1600 point SAT scale), Lindsay said in a phone interview. But this reference point is likely misleading, as the test fails to acknowledge skills imperative to the work environment.

Critics, like Dr. Michael Kirst of Stanford University and Watson Swail, the president of the

Educational Policy Institute, argue that the test, which is only given in one form, doesn’t adequately gauge what students gained from college. These tests only measure abstract thinking, rather than the more important concrete skills that students learn in their specific majors, Kirst writes in his blog.

And the test also isn’t filling a void; many employers already make their own tests to give to potential job candidates. Although the CLA+ is optional, stiff competition in the job market could potentially make this test a necessity. If students hope to secure a job after college, they would be forced into taking the test in order to compete with their peers.

Finally, despite the fact that the CAE is a non-profit organization, it’s easy to see parallels with the College Board, another non-profit that has ended up making millions each year through SATs and AP exams. While the CAE is far smaller than the College Board, their new test could potentially reach thousands of graduating students every year. So although the test’s creators are most likely genuine in its desire to help students, educators and employers, one can’t help but wonder if at any level there is a profit motive.

The CAE and its supporters claim that the test will give employers a more accurate measure of potential employees. But the test’s shortcomings mean that the CLA+ is nothing more than an empty exercise in test taking.

Book Review

‘Meaningful shift’ needed

American educational culture contrasts with that of top performing countries

by Fionn Adamian The media trumpets the message constantly, politicians complain about the problem, and professors puzzle over the issue: American students perform worse than their international counterparts.

20 countries have a higher graduation rate than the US, and among developed nations, American children are 17th in reading and 18th in math, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. In her book “The Smartest Kids in the World and How They Got That Way,” journalist Amanda Ripley explores the causes of this gap.

For the most part, Whitman students excel in school, and score above the national standard.

However, Ripley’s lessons are still important to our school.

Ripley follows three high school American exchange students who study abroad in Finland, South Korea and Poland — three countries that surpass the US on the OECD’s rankings. Ripley notes that the underlying factor among these three very different countries is a similar cultural appreciation for education, one that American students don’t seem to have.

Kim, a 15-year old from Oklahoma, travels to Finland, a country she knows little about. She finds Finnish schools to be dark and dingy, lacking the technologies that American schools have, with only a blackboard at the front of the room. Yet the factor that catapulted Finland to the top of the education rankings isn’t the sophistication of their technology, it’s something more basic and vital: the teachers.

In Finland, becoming a teacher is a prestigious career path that requires prospective students to attain high grades to even enroll in teacher-training programs. Many of the best and brightest students don’t have their heart set on becoming investment bankers or politicians, but teachers. These training programs are much more rigorous in Finland than in the US, take much longer to complete and have higher standards. As a result, Finnish teachers are much more prepared and qualified when they first

step into the classroom. It’s no surprise then that Finnish students outperform American ones on the tests. The higher-quality teaching leads to better performance in school.

While students at Whitman may complain about preparing for college, South Korean children give a whole new meaning to the word “stress.” Eric, a boy from Minnesota, finds that his classmates spend all night at “hagwons,” schools where students cram to ace South Korea’s exit exams. On the day of the graduation test, younger kids flood the streets to cheer on people who are about to take the exam.

It’s slightly different from Bethesda, where some treat the SAT as a chore rather than of the utmost importance.

Finally, Ripley follows Tom, a teen from Pennsylvania visiting Poland. Although he notices that his Polish classmates play sports occasionally after school and form clubs, their number one focus is academics, because they realize that school is crucial for their future.

Ripley’s stories stand in stark contrast with America’s culture of education. Even at Whitman, kids often prioritize their extracurricular activities over school. Although it is impossible to generalize, in my experience, I noticed that my grades slipped while I was on the soccer team for the first two years of high school, and still do when I have to miss school for debate. Simply put, there’s less time for school with so much going on outside of it. While the balance of school and social life is a delicate one, it is clear that we tend to put a greater focus on the latter than countries that have extremely successful education systems.

If anything, we sometimes sneer at intellectualism. The terms “nerd” and “geek” still have a negative connotation. There can be a stigma attached to excelling in class, even though it’s an important goal. Ripley offers a powerful reminder that a meaningful shift in America’s culture is required to jumpstart the education system; people need to start caring about learning for learning to occur.

FEATure

September 25, 2013

7

Alum starts promising New York fashion career $25,000 check that she can spend as she pleases. She also won the Pratt Fashion Entrepreneurship Award, which provides her a one year rent-free studio space in the Pratt Design Incubator, a space located in the Brooklyn campus.

“I can do anything I want,” Gruen said. “These opportunities offer me a lot of freedom.”

But her recent successes don’t stop there. Just a few days prior to the Pratt Fashion Show in April, menswear designer Thom Browne offered Gruen a summer internship. She spent the summer perfecting and detailing Browne’s designs leading up to the biggest week in fashion, New York Fashion Week.

“The atmosphere wasn’t as intimidating as one might think,” Gruen said. “Everyone that worked there was super cool and none of them acted really prestigious. Even with Thom, we would just chat on the elevator about our summers.”

Some of Gruen’s typical tasks included picking up samples from other designers in New York, transforming new sketches into computer A model flaunts Madeline Gruen’s (‘09) designs, and detailing some of designs at the Pratt Institute’s annual fashion Browne’s final products. show.

“Leading up to the fashion “Madeline’s designs were very show, I got to sew on lace appliqué different from everyone else’s,” and beads to the dresses,” Gruen her father, Bill Gruen said. “The said. “That work had to be flawless other designs were very edgy because we had to do it to Thom while hers were presented with Browne quality.” violin music in the background.

In the final weeks preceding It brought tears to my eyes when the show, Gruen worked from I saw it.”

10 a.m. to 2 a.m. most days.

At the end of the show, Gruen After witnessing firsthand the was presented the “Liz Claiborne strenuous demands associated Award- Concept to Product,” a photo courtesy MADELINE GRUEN

bY Annie Ludewig From Whitman’s Fashion Show to New York City’s Fashion Week, alum Madeline Gruen’s career has skyrocketed since she graduated high school in 2009.

What began as a lighthearted threat from her mom to join Fashion Society in ninth grade has evolved into a serious profession for Gruen.

“My mom told me she wasn’t going to pick me up from school until I went to the Fashion Society meeting,” Gruen said. “Once I heard about the Fashion Show, I was hooked.”

English resource teacher Beth Rockwell, the head of Fashion Society during Gruen’s time at Whitman, noticed Gruen’s talent for fashion from the start.

“Frequently, I see creativity in student’s work before I see the execution,” Rockwell said.

“However, her creativity and execution came together more quickly than most do. I remember her designs being very organic, utilizing colors from sky, sea and land.”

It’s clear that Gruen’s early flair for fashion hasn’t faded. This past spring, she participated in Pratt Institute’s 114 th annual fashion show—one of the industry’s most prestigious shows for up-andcoming designers. She was one of 17 students selected out of Pratt’s graduating class of 2013 to display their designs in front of some of fashion’s most famous names, including Glamour Magazine’s Anne Christensen, Vogue’s editorat-large Hamish Bowles, and menswear designer Thom Browne.

with creating a fashion line, Gruen plans to work more with custom designs for personal customers rather than the hectic routine of annual New York City shows.

“Just the Thom Browne women’s show alone cost $1 million,” Gruen said. “The quality and level of couture I would want to produce in the future would be extremely expensive to make every year.”

Instead, Gruen anticipates working in her new Brooklyn studio, crafting custom eveningwear for personal customers.

“I like being able to talk to customers and figure out exactly what they want,” she said.

The money from the Liz Claiborne Award will go toward purchasing a new sewing machine and several other design necessities for her new space.

As for her ultimate goal, Gruen dreams of designing for Grammywinning artist Taylor Swift. As far-fetched as this aspiration may seem, Gruen has already dabbled in the Hollywood fashion industry.

Since her success at Pratt, she has been offered several once-in-alifetime opportunities, including a job assisting Rihanna’s stylist and a guest appearance on Lifetime’s Project Runway.

Though she turned down these offers, Guen hopes to keep her future options open.

“It’s nice that I have time,” Gruen said. “I’m building up my business and my brand and I’m going to continue making custom eveningwear for now.”

Pyle seventh grader performs local gigs with sister in musical duo Davis auditioned to sing the National Anthem at Nationals games and was one of 20 people selected to perform throughout the season. He sent a video of his Nationals performance to the Wizards and Orioles, and then ended up performing at both teams’ games.

The Davison Duo - Davis and his sister Madison, a sophomore at Whitman - also performs at retirement homes and other events, including a fundraiser last year at Merriweather Post Pavilion called “Start Up Maryland,” an organization that works on helping the ecosystem and local entrepreneurs.

Davis and Madison have been doing talent shows since elementary school. Davis would sing while Madison pretended to play the guitar.

“We noticed that Davis had a voice when he was four years old,” said Debby Gestiehr, the mother of the siblings. “We were all in the car once listening to music and when we turned off the radio Davis continued to sing and he was on key.”

When Davis was in third grade, the Davison Duo had their first gig at Gaffany’s Restaurant in Bethesda.

“My dad said to give it a shot because we couldn’t really embarrass ourselves when there

were only old people there,” Madison said.

The performance went well, and they continued to perform at small venues. Three years ago, the brother and sister duo started taking guitar lessons to enhance their act.

The Duo now plays at a handful of locations in Bethesda and D.C. The local community supports them a lot because with so much talent in this area, people admire kids playing, singing and doing what they love, Davis said.

The brother-sister act works well together..

Madison writes lyrics, while Davis writes the music.

“Most of the time, Madison is writing from a male perspective because Davis has to sing them.

It makes it more difficult,” Debby said.

They practice when they have time in between school, soccer, track and taekwondo. Davis is set on being a musician, while Madison would love to do anything with music. They have a really good relationship because they play together, Davis said.

“I can’t remember the last time they seriously fought with one another,” Debby said. “To see them getting along and creating things, then performing on stage, that makes me proud.”

Davis and Madison Gestiehr put their talents on display together at local gigs, with Madison on guitar and Davis on vocals.

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photo courtesy DAVIS GESTIEHR

Continued From Page 1

September 25, 2013

Alums

Guiliana Rancic ‘92 E! News Correspondent

Patrick B CEO of Ove

Giuliana Rancic has climbed to the top of the world of entertainment journalism.

Rancic graduated from Whitman in the class of 1992. She received a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland, and a masters from American University.

Early in her career, Rancic worked for a news bureau on Capitol Hill covering the Pentagon, Supreme Court, White House and State Department. In 2002 Rancic became a correspondent for E! News, and in 2005 she became the solo anchor and managing editor. Rancic is frequently seen on the red carpet interviewing celebrities at the Oscars, Grammy Awards and Golden Globes. She is also a co-star on E!’s Fashion Police. “She was always interested in fashion, so it’s no surprise what she’s doing now,” Egan said.

Anthony Dilweg ‘84 Professional Football Play

Spike Jonze ‘87 Filmmaker Spike Jonze, known in high school as Adam Spiegel, graduated from Whitman in 1987. Jonze is a triple threat, known for acting, directing and producing. During high school Jonze participated in competitive skateboarding and BMX biking.

History teacher Wendy Egan remembers Jonze as “the little blond kid [who] would skateboard down the halls in the old building.” After graduation, Jonze moved to Los Angeles and worked in the magazine industry before moving to film. Jonze’s first major success came when he directed the Beastie Boys’s “Sabotage” music video. The video received four MTV Video Music Awards, including best director. In 1999 Jonze acted in and directed “Three Kings,” co-starring George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg and Ice Cube. Later that year Jonze directed “Being John Malkovich,” which scored him an Oscar nomination for best director, and in 2009 he directed “Where the Wild Things Are.” Jonze was also a writer for the “Jackass” movies along with Whitman alum Jeff Tremaine.

Guiliana Rancic ‘92

Patrick Byrne Whitman in the cla became the CEO of 1999. Byrne was capt team and wrestled fo credits Whitman to h as a person.

“Of course in hig about love, you learn first time; you’re gr said. “You learn ho student, you learn h people appropriately

Mark Halperin ‘83

Remembered by Ms. Egan as the tall, blond quarterback, Anthony Dilweg graduated from Whitman in 1984.

After playing for the Vikings, Dilweg played football at Duke with coach Steve Spurrier. Alum and peer Patrick Byrne fondly remembers Dilweg.

“He was destined for the pros,” Byrne said.

In 1988 Dilweg was named the ACC Football Player of the Year and the offensive MVP of the 1989 Hula Bowl.

Dilweg was selected to play with the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 1989 NFL draft. He played as their quarterback for two seasons. Dilweg went on to play for the Montreal Machine in the WLAF in 1992. After playing with the pros, Dilweg is currently the chairman of Dilweg Companies — a full-service commercial real estate firm headquartered in Durham, NC.

Anthony Dilweg ‘84

Mark Pryor ‘81

Alexandra Robbins ‘94 Best Selling Author Alexandra Robbins, a 1994 Whitman graduate, is the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including The Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Driven Kids. The Overachievers is an account of teen’s effort to succeed and cope in a highly competitive academic environment, and is based on actual Whitman students.

Robbins’ work has appeared in The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, the New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post.

Robbins has also appeared on various television programs including the Today Show, Oprah and the Colbert Report.

Robbins said that her favorite Whitman memory was a girls’ basketball playoff game. She recalls the energy and liveliness of the crowd.

“The Whitman side of the stands were thunderously loud that night; the rhythm transcended every boundary so that all of the Viking spectators were one cohesive mass of happy,” she said. “I can’t even remember whether we won that game; I just remember how fun it was to be a Whitman student.”

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Mark Pryor ‘81 Senator of Arkansas Mark Pryor graduated from Whitman in the class of 1981. Pryor and fellow famous alum Patrick Byrne played football together.

“We actually crossed paths in Europe four or five years after graduation at a crummy youth hostel,” Byrne said.

Pryor has been a Democratic senator of Arkansas since January 2003. Pryor holds the reputation of the “voice of reason” because he’s worked with both parties to pass legislation for Arkansas and the nation. Pryor got his start in politics while at Whitman, when he was elected SGA president. Science teacher Ms. Huddock, who taught the student government class at the time, remembers Pryor.

“Mark was always very enthusiastic,” Huddock said. “He was just a really funny guy.”

Mark Halperin ‘83 TIME magazine political analyst

Jeff Tremaine ‘85 Screenwriter and Director Jeff Tremaine graduated from Whitman in 1985. He co-wrote and directed the “Jackass” movies along with fellow a Whitman graduate, Spike Jonze. Tremaine has also created and produced a number of television series for MTV, including “Wildboyz,” “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” and “Ridiculousness.” Social studies teacher Wendy Egan remembers Tremaine from when he was a Whitman student, long before he was associated with Jackass. “I loved him. He was very artistic and he could draw very well,” Eagan said. “I would love to know what happened to Jeff Tremaine. He was a fun kid.”

Mark Halperin, class of 1983, is the editor-at-large and senior political analyst for TIME. He covers politics, elections and government affairs for the magazine’s print and online versions. Halperin also created TIME.com’s “The Page,” which is a news and analysis tip sheet that compiles the latest political stories. In addition to working for TIME, Halperin is also a senior political analyst for MSNBC and regularly makes an appearance on “Morning Joe.” Prior to his jobs at TIME and MSNBC, Halperin worked for ABC news, reporting on political stories, including covering the Clinton Presidential campaign in 1992 and the Clinton White House. Halperin is also the co-author of the book Game Change, which focuses on the 2008 presidential election. Halperin’s favorite Whitman memory was playing varsity basketball his senior year, and his favorite teacher was Ms. Morden, who taught Japanese.

Jeff Tremaine ‘85

Patrick Byrne ‘81

Spike Jonze ‘87

Alexandra Robbins ‘94

10

feature

september 25, 2013

Students traveled overseas to perform the award winning musical “Spring Awakening” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The show’s edgy themes and the students’ strong performances earned them sold-out shows and local critical acclaim.

by Caroline Schweitzer From graphic violence to provocative sexual scenes, the summer performance of “Spring Awakening” kept audience members on the edge of their seats.

Drama director Christopher Gerken led a group of Whitman and Bullis students to the Fringe festival in Edinburgh, Scotland from Aug. 1 to 13, to perform the musical Spring Awakening.

The Fringe festival is held each year and hosts a variety of fine arts including music, theater, and dance. There are no age or group requirements—the festival is open to all performers, professional and amateur.

Gerken’s production of the musical proved extremely popular at the Fringe— three out of six consecutive shows were sold out.

“There were often times when there was a line down the block to see our show, which was incredible,” Gerken said.

After the second night, Gerken’s “Spring Awakening” got a five star review from Edinburgh theater critics, and after t he t hird nig ht, t h e mu si c al be c ame a “pick of the fringe,” meaning it was a top performance that critics highly recommended. It was one of the nine performances awarded the honor. “ S p r i n g A w a k e n i n g ” f o l l o w s 1 9 th century German teenagers on their path through adolescence, hitting on themes of sexual awakening and identity.

Gerken took an unconventional approach by casting actors that were the same ages as the characters they portray.

Typically, adult performers play the high school students because of the mature themes.

“The fact that I used actual high school students to play this piece, which was controversial due to the nature of the show, was really a highlight,” Gerken said.

Gerken included additional scenes to make the musical even edgier than the original. He added a murder scene and incorporated an interpretive dance

illustrating a scene of child abuse.

“At the Fringe, edgy is good. It’s good to push the boundaries,” Gerken said.

Senior Katherine Paterson said that the show’s intensity added to the value of the production.

“I know people in the audience were kind of uncomfortable, but it was our job to make them a little uncomfortable,” Paterson said. “We put them outside of their comfort zones to honestly express the meaning of the show.”

Junior Lucas Weals, who played a gay teen, was slightly uneasy when he performed in front of family and friends.

“There is a subtle air of watching your own back when you know the people in the audience,” Weals said. “I like to think that I left it all out there, but making out with a guy excessively on stage while you know your family is watching you is a harrowing experience at times.”

At the Fringe, the musical was performed black box style, with minimal set pieces and props. The students performed in a small venue where the playing space was on the ground and the audience was just feet away from the actors.

“We were able to feed off the energy of the crowd,” Paterson said. “It felt more intimate between actors and the audience than performing in the United States.”

The dynamic between all members of production—musicians, actors, and tech—was different from other drama performances, guitarist Carson Lystad said. In contrast to the plays and musicals at Whitman, all of the cast and crew members became a close-knit group by the end of their time in Scotland.

“This was a great show for everybody because we all joined together as one unit,” said Lystad. “We spent so much time together outside of the performance area that we formed a bond throughout the whole show that we couldn’t really get from a lot of other shows.”

by Nicole Fleck If you’ve noticed an unfamiliar man in uniform walking around school high-fiving kids, that would be Officer Steve Pascali. Pascali took over for previous school resource Officer Arnold Aubrey. Aubrey had been balancing his time between three schools, including B-CC and WJ. Pascali has worked as a patrol officer for the Montgomery County Police Department since 2002.

He describes his past role as a patrol officer as a “jack of all trades position,” where he dealt with everything from road obstructions to robberies and assaults. Here at Whitman, he’s unique from other security guards because, as a police offer, he has the power of arrest.

Before becoming a police officer, Pascali worked as a corporate trainer for Comcast. Reflecting on his past in the corporate world, Pascali said he’s found his true passion in law enforcement.

“I’m able to help people every day and am able to affect change in society,” Pascali said. “I really care a lot about people and I would never do anything else ever again.”

Pascali decided to transition into the school setting after an encounter with a 15-year-old runaway boy. His experience made him realize that he had an ability to empathize with kids and their experiences, he said.

“You cannot be lopsided,” Pascali said. “You cannot be just a friend and you cannot be the boss all of the time—you have to walk the line.”

Instead of just returning the boy to his parents, Pascali tried to find out the root of the problem and help him with it. Two years later, Pascali ran into the boy again. The boy thanked Pascali for what he had done for him and told him that he would remember it forever.

The experience touched Pascali and made him realize young people needed more attention.

“I think that this setting is providing an opportunity to transfer things I know about 11 years of police work and apply it in a school setting,” Pascali said. “If there is a critical incident at school, I can use my resources appropriately and effectively to nullify any types of threats in the school.”

The security team is excited to have Officer Pascali join the effort to continue the school’s current safety.

“He’s here to help us be proactive, not reactive,” security assistant Paul Marshall said.

Officer Pascali encourages anyone to pop into his office anytime to just say hello.

Pascali’s friendly attitude has already made an impression on students.

“He’s really nice, super happy, and surprisingly a huge fan of music,” senior Jon Wiedemann said. “He took my friend and I into his office so we could see the albums he kept. I genuinely hope more people get to know him by the end of this year.”

photo by TYLER JACOBSON

photo courtesy Brandon Babbitt

New School Resource Officer brings passion and experience

Athletes use yoga to strengthen bodies, team bonds

By Emma Anderson While it’s hard to imagine big bulky guys doing downward dog poses, a whole range of athletes, from boys soccer players to field hockey, are getting down on the yoga mat to improve their game.

Some teams have tried yoga to stretch out or get an extra workout in, while other teams have taken the hobby to the next level with weekly classes. Yoga has many benefits, from the obvious physical rewards– increased flexibility and strength– to improved team chemistry. After all, it’s hard not to feel a certain sense of solidarity while struggling to put your legs behind your head.

Of any Whitman sport, girls varsity crew is the most devoted to yoga. Last year, seniors went to coach Kirk Shipley and brought up the idea of adding yoga to their workout after seeing many injuries to backs, hips, knees, and other muscles.

“A lot of girls couldn’t use the rowing machines because it hurt so much,” senior Laura Mazziotta said.

The seniors decided that taking up yoga every Tuesday might be a nice break during the week.

“Shipley has seen the effects injuries have on the team,” senior Ellie Solloway said. “Yoga was still pretty hard, but nothing compared to our regular practice.”

A lot of girls were surprised to hear that one day a week would be devoted to stretching. Many expected to be bored but soon came to enjoy yoga, Maziotta said.

“I felt more in touch with my body and more flexible,” sophomore Sarah Edwards said. “By the end of winter, I definitely was more stretching-conscious, and I started to stretch a lot more on my own.”

When athletes incorporate stretching into their pre-practice routines, they can prevent many injuries.

“When you stretch, you are getting oxygen into the blood and lengthening the muscles,” said Shauna Simon of Simon Says Yoga studio off Sangamore Road in Bethesda.

Athletes need to focus most on their hamstrings, quads, and backs, says Simon. They tend to be strong in one area and weak in another, and yoga can help to even things out.

Other teams just saw yoga as a good way to bond.

“We decided to do yoga because a couple guys on the team said they were into it and that it actually relaxes you,” varsity soccer player Kourosh Ashtary-Yazdi said. Five players went to Down Dog Yoga in Bethesda and took a Bikram or “hot yoga” class. Within the first few minutes, their shirts were off, Ashtary-Yazdi said.

“It was really difficult. I think we can all say we never sweated that much in our lives.”

Hot yoga doesn’t give the same relaxation that “normal” yoga does but it brought the team closer together and was a nice break from hard training, Ashtary-Yazdi said.

Yoga provides a non-competitive atmosphere, which can give athletes a much needed break from the world of sports.

“Sports are such an external thing and yoga is very internal,” Simon said. “At yoga, you are still with a group of people but you are doing your own things, what works for you.”

Incorporating yoga into a training routine has clear benefits and adds a fun element to working out.

“Yoga in general is about balance, flexibility, focus, strength, being peaceful and calm,” Simon said.

Who doesn’t want to be all of those things?”

September 25, 2013

11

feature

D U D E Senior lunch guide FOOD:

By Nick Meyer

For three long years, we seniors have been forced to eat lunch within the confines of the school. Three long years of the same sandwiches, at the same benches, followed promptly by mundane hall laps for another twenty minutes before the bell rang. But now, with lunch passes in hand, we are finally free to reach our full lunch-time potential. If you’re already bored of the dollar menu at McDonalds or tired of waiting in Georgetown Bagelry’s line, then check out these lesser-known lunch spots that’ll leave you plenty of time to make it back before the bell.

Fish Taco Taqueria (7945 MacArthur Blvd) This little-known taco shop opened up back in August and has been serving up modern spins on the classics ever since. While it may not be the cheapest option out there, it’s certainly worth every penny if you feel like treating yourself to something a bit nicer than a Big Mac. Thirteen bucks buys you two fish tacos—served fried, blackened or grilled—with a delicious array of salsas, cabbage slaw and a heaping of rice and beans on the side. Also on the menu are other taco options, burritos, enchiladas and even grilled corn street style, topped with chili mayo and Mexican cheese.

Round Trip (driving): 16 minutes Whole Foods (5269 River Rd) The upscale organic food market has always been seen by the stingier set as largely out of their price range. But special daily deals make the market an attractive spot for hungry seniors at an actually affordable price.

On Thursdays, the deal is hard to match: five dollars buys a massive sandwich with turkey, ham and Swiss piled high on a freshly baked

French loaf with all the fixings. Not a fan of ham? Fear not. Whole Foods offers everything ranging from sushi to pizza to make-your-own salads.

Round Trip (driving): 14 minutes

Yirasai (5110 Ridgefield Rd) Good sushi never comes cheap and quite frankly, cheap sushi never is never a fully enjoyable experience. Longtime local favorite Yirasai has been serving up quality sushi from its small shop next to Dominoes for years, and at prices that won’t necessarily empty your wallet either. Although frequented by regulars, finding a table is rarely an issue, and the food is speedily prepared. Go for the house specialty rolls such as the Super Spicy Crazy Roll, or try something simpler like a regular tuna maki. For the more adventurous foodies out there, opt for the Bulgogi Roll or platter, which offers deliciously marinated Korean style steak, thinly sliced and grilled to caramelized perfection.

Round Trip (driving): 12 minutes Bethesda Country Store Barbeque (8804 Old Georgetown Rd) From two blocks down the road, the smell of slow smoked meat starts to drift through the car window. The culprit: some of the area’s cheapest and freshest BBQ at seven bucks a sandwich. This little food truck parked across from the NIH dishes out sandwiches and platters heaped high with classic southern fare—think spicy pulled pork, deliciously tender brisket and smoked ribs, not to mention great cheap sides like mac-n-cheese, baked beans and cornbread. Feeling rich? Fresh Maine Lobster Rolls are just $15.

Round Trip (driving): 22 minutes

Teachers recount summer adventures

By Max Steinhorn

Science Teachers Daniel Chen and Peyton Ford: “I [Chen] was backpacking around Europe for one month. I was in Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Germany and the Czech Republic.“ Most memorable part: Hiking in the Alps in Slovenia. They lived three days in the mountains.

Math teacher Michelle Holloway: “I taught an Algebra 2 course at Landon, tutored few kids, spent a week at Bethany Beach, took an online class “How to Learn Math” through Stanford, biked a lot and visited family in Pittsburgh.”

Most memorable part: “Bethany Beach – watching “The Lorax” on the beach with my kids.”

History teacher Kirk Shipley: “I coached a club junior rowing team at Thompson Boat Center.

The top boat won a National Championship, which was pretty awesome. I traveled to Canada and home to Massachusetts to hang out with family.”

Most memorable part: “Being able to work out a lot and see friends.”

Math teacher Susan Wildstrom: Went to China for two weeks as part of a concert tour for the Children’s Chorus of Washington. With her husband she visited major tourist spots like the Forbidden City and Terra Cotta Warriors. She also attended MathFest in Hartford, CT, where she viewed presentations on different mathematical subjects, including one by former Whitman student and current Williams College math major Jesse Freeman.

Most memorable part: Seeing Jesse Freeman’s presentation and spending the Fourth of July with her grandkids in New York.

English teacher Matt Bruneel: “My wife and I went camping as much as we could. We drove to North Carolina to camp in the Great Smoky Mountains, out to the Eastern Shore to camp in Assateague Park, and up to New York to camp in the Adirondacks.”

Most memorable part: “I’ll cherish the feeling I had when I reached the peaks of two different mountains, one in the south, one in the north. To have a full 360 degree view of mountains and more mountains receding in to the distance is humbling but also empowering.”

Senior Ryan Bennett has been shooting and editing videos since fourth grade. This summer he shot and produced a short film, “Unforgivable,” at Emerson College.

Senior pursues interest in filmmaking

By Alexa Brodsky Ryan Bennett has quite the range when it comes to filmmaking. From his first hit starring a Lego man to his most recent work shedding light on the motivations of a violent teen, Bennett has turned a hobby into a serious pursuit.

Over the summer, Bennett went to Emerson College in Boston to study film. There, he produced a six minute film called “Unforgivable,” about the perceptions of a teenage boy who commits a serious crime.

“I wanted to show what could possibly drive someone to do something so violent,” Bennett said. “People jump to conclusions.”

The film, according to Bennett, is a character study rather than a series of events. The film delves into a day in the life of a boy who opened fire at his school, killing one of his peers. The public views the boy as a maniac, Bennett says.

The film follows the boy’s journey from denial to guilt to acceptance of his actions.

“There’s always two sides to a story,” Bennett said. “I didn’t necessarily take on an empathetic side, I leave it up to the audience.”

Bennett’s interest in film began in fourth grade when he received a camera for his birthday, and started producing videos as a hobby. From the beginning, he enjoyed the opportunity to produce something others could enjoy.

“Even then I saw it as a way to create something I could entertain people with. I could make a story for people to see and enjoy as much as I do,” Bennett said.

Bennett continued his hobby by taking TV Studio in middle school and joining Whitman Shorts his sophomore year. This year he has taken over as co-director of the show.

Bennett also interns at MCPS TV every Tuesday and Thursday, working on the Homework Helpline show by running the camera, answering phone calls and running graphics for titles. In his words: “technical stuff.”

Bennett plans on majoring in film and minoring in editing in college, and getting a Bachelors or Master’s Degree in fine arts.

In his filmmaking aspirations, Bennett has trouble finding people who are as involved as he is. However he does enjoy working with others to make less serious videos, he said.

When it comes to the fun stuff, Bennett’s partner in crime is his good friend, senior Sam Ross. They started making movies together in fourth grade and now they are co-directors of Whitman Shorts.

“Back in our Pyle days we would film the first decent idea that popped into our heads,” Ross said. “There were generally a lot of airsoft guns involved. Now, we have serious responsibilities to make videos that will please the entire school.”

But even in middle school, Ross said, Bennett always put in the extra mile to make their films fantastic.

“He brings me a completely edited film the day after we mess around with the camera, telling me he pulled an all-nighter to edit,” Ross said.

Aside from the “technical” side to filming, Bennett recently created a Facebook group called “Movie Sharing” where members can post their favorite movie trailers and recommend or discourage each other from seeing movies.

In only a few weeks since its creation, the group has received a lot of attention. Numerous students have been posting, commenting and liking each other’s posts.

“It’s like our own ‘Rotten Tomatoes’” senior Heaton Talcott said.

Bennett influences his peers, whether they be fellow movie-lovers or those who help him make his films.

“Ryan will never stop surprising me,” Ross said. “Whether it something as random as his video called ‘Lego Man Peeing’ getting 100,000 views on YouTube, he never ceases to amaze me.”

12

Feature

SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

by Samantha Zambri Comic books usually conjure up images of spandex-clad superheroes, evil villains and action-packed adventure sequences, not sale ideas or marketing tips. But with“Mission In a Bottle,” a new book released by Honest Tea, readers get the approachability of a comic book while also learning important lessons about building a business from scratch.

Founders Seth Goldman and Barry Nalebuff released the book Sept. 3 after an extensive social media marketing campaign. They said they wanted “Mission in a Bottle” to stand out from other text heavy business guides, so the authors incorporated graphic images and easy-toread chapter summaries.

“I have always felt our story was one worth telling, I just needed to find the right medium to tell it in,” said Goldman, CEO of Honest Tea. “My older son would rather read comic books than do homework, and I was reading these boring business books.

That’s when I realized I had to make a business guide that was as engaging and exciting as a comic.”

The book’s target audience is budding entrepreneurs. To

show support the company will commit the first year of proceeds to different nonprofit organizations that benefit small businesses and the community.

Among these is the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, an organization that aims to educate high school students in underprivileged communities around the nation.

“The person who will benefit most directly is someone who is thinking about building, investing, or working in a business,” Goldman said.

“What we’ve also seen is parents sharing the book with their children, whether they be in middle school or business school.”

The lessons in the book are aimed primarily at those just starting out in the business world, but they are also applicable to existing business who are looking to expand and reach different markets.

Honest Tea imparts not only tips but experiences from their past that businesses can use to avoid making similar mistakes.

“We can all learn from each other, and we pick up bits and pieces of information in everything we read and apply it,” said Whitman parent Eva Scheer, Director of Operations for Stop Aging Now, a small business that has now grown

into a multimillion dollar company.

The campaign for the book wasn’t traditional; the authors focused on online and social media outlets to spread the word rather than appearing on talk shows or buying advertising space.

“I love connecting with people who are excited about our ideas and what we are trying to do,” Goldman said.

“The most important thing is to do something you are passionate about, that you believe in, and you know you can pour all of your energy into.”

Honest Tea prides itself on being a company that uses all natural ingredients and tries to give back to the community.

It’s carried in over 100,000 stores, predominantly in the natural food market, and uses over five million pounds of organic ingredients each year.

“Unlike other companies which talk about giving money away from profits they make, our business has always been about lacing the values of our brand inside the product: making it lower sugar, organic and fair trading,” Goldman said. “This way, every time we sell a bottle, whether with profit or not, the mission is in the bottle.”

photo by SAMANTHA ZAMBRI

Honest Tea founders release comic book for entrepreneurs

HonestTea founder Seth Goldman speaks at Barnes & Nobles to promote his new comic book project designed to be an engaging guide for budding entrepreneurs and business owners.

By Tamar Meron The Dalai Lama once said, “Share your knowledge; it is a way to achieve immortality.”

Former English teacher Lauren de Rivaud accomplished just that. Rivaud made lasting impressions on family, friends and colleagues, who shared their memories of her during a memorial service Sept. 12 near a cherry tree planted in her memory at the front of the school.

Former colleagues and friends of Rivaud gather around her memorial outside by the stadium.

Rivaud, who taught at Whitman for three years, succumbed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Aug. 12 at age 52.

Masking her pain, Rivaud continued to teach after the onset of her debilitating disease, and many of her students were not aware of her illness prior to her retirement in 2010, according to principal Alan Goodwin.

Colleagues remember her as a courageous woman with an independent spirit who never lost her dry wit and giving nature.“She never stopped learning or researching,” English resource teacher

photo by TYLER JACOBSON

Former English teacher remembered for enthusiasm for teaching and learning, independent spirit

Former colleagues and friends of Rivaud gather around her memorial by the stadium. A tree was planted in her memory. Rivaud taught at Whitman from 2007 to 2010.

Beth Rockwell said. “The department was energized by our interaction with her.”

Many appreciated Rivaud’s keen sense of humor and bright smile.

Composition assistant Cathy Neff, a close friend, said she would often crack jokes

or act silly simply to see Rivaud’s smile.

Rivaud brought her creativity and sense of humor to her students.

“She was a brilliant, amazing teacher,” Neff said. “She loved teenagers and had a way of talking to them that was so open and funny.”

The plaque honoring Rivaud displays a Dalai Lama quote. Friends and colleagues also planted sunflowers, Rivaud’s favorite flower.

Rivaud ordered snacks and favorite drinks for her visitors and caregivers when she was ill, Neff said. She even helped one caregiver put together a resume, English teacher and friend Susan Buckingham said. Rivaud enjoyed the outdoors. Prior to her illness, she kayaked, biked and ran. Even after she got sick, she preferred living an active life to staying home and talking about her incurable illness, Buckingham said. Even while in a wheelchair, Rivaud enjoyed trips to Rehoboth Beach and to Sutton, Virginia for a Macbeth performance at the Black Friars Theater.

English teachers Prudence Crewdson and Eric Ertman concluded the service with an emotional reading from Walt Whitman’s poem “Song of Myself.” A plaque bearing the Dalai Lama’s words lies beneath the memorial tree. Neff and Buckingham will fulfill Rivaud’s longheld wish to go to Ireland by taking her ashes there this summer.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

SPORTS

Football

The football team bounced back from a tough loss against QO by shutting out B-CC in a 24-0 rout Saturday, improving to 2-1 on the season. The Vikes dominated the game against their cross-town rivals.

Senior running back Zac Morton led the offense with 121 yards and a touchdown, while senior safety Nabil Ibrahim gave the defense a boost with an interception in the first quarter.

The Vikings look to stay hot this Friday as they travel to Wootton to face the Patriots, leaders of the 4A South division.

Girls Tennis

The girls tennis team began the season on a roll, winning their first four matches by a combined score of 26-2.

The team is led by Kamilla Beisenova, who has returned to the team for her senior season after leaving to focus on tournament play. She is undefeated so far this season.

The girl’s two biggest matches will be at home against Wootton Oct. 2 and Churchill Oct. 8.

Girls Soccer

The girls soccer team has started its season strong with two wins and a tie in their first three games.

The Vikes are anchored by a solid defense, led by senior Emily Martin and sophomore Lindsay Wytkind, who didn’t allow a shot on goal in their season opener tie against the Quince Orchard Cougars.

The team shut out Watkins Mill at home Sept. 18, wining 11-0. The girls hope to avenge their regional final loss to B-CC Oct. 8 at home.

Boys Soccer

Despite starting the season 2-1-2, the boys soccer team is looking strong as the team enters divisional play. The team lineup is well rounded and fast, with strong returning seniors on defense and the return of former D.C. United Soccer Academy players, senior mid-fielder Vegas Kastberg and senior forward Emmanuel Kanneh.

The Vikes will have to step up their offensive game, as they average just one goal per game so far this season. They will look for an offensive spark from sophomore forward Davey Mason, who has started off the season well, scoring two goals against Northwest.

Golf

The golf team has started this season on a high note, taking third place at Bretton Woods Country Club, and second at Laytonsville, shooting a 195 and 204 respectively. The team also played strong last Tuesday at Needwood, with senior Andrew Barth shooting a 33.

Barth leads the team along with senior Daniel Stern, sophomore Danny Mills and freshman Graham Hutchinson.

Hutchinson is in the top two in the county in stroke average. The team hopes to stay hot for the district tournament Oct. 7 at Poolesville Golf Course.

Field Hockey

After a rocky beginning to the season, the 1-4 field hockey team looks to rebound this week, with games against Watkins Mill and Blair. Despite opening the season with a 1-0 overtime win against Northwest, the team has lost four straight games, including a 1-0 heartbreaker to Poolesville in double overtime.

The team is led by senior defenders Marisa Guzman Vogele, Katie Choppin and Annie Luedwig.

Girls Volleyball

The volleyball team started the fall season with a 1-2 record. The Vikes suffered losses against Gaithersburg and Sherwood, but won 3-0 agasinst Springbrook.

The Vikes have added four new players to the team this year and hope to have a strong season led by captains Eliana Schaefer, Julia Greenberg and Julie King.

Two seniors win gold at Maccabiah Games

by Roger Champagne Taking their talents to Israel, seniors Josh Fried and Marissa Cannon won not one—but two gold medals for team USA youth basketball team at the 2013 Maccabiah Games.

Often referred to as the “Jewish Olympics,” the Maccabiah Games were held Jul 18 to 30. They are held every four years and are the world’s third largest multi-sport event, according to the event’s website. Fried and Cannon both competed against teams from about 70 other countries.

Fried and Cannon each have three years of Whitman basketball under their belts. Fried, a center, stands at a whopping 6’7” and is one of the Vikes’ biggest assets.

Both players intend on playing basketball in college, with Fried being recruited by Division III schools including Haverford, Vassar and Swarthmore.

After a tryout in Philadelphia, Fried learned that he was one of 12 players to make the men’s team. Marissa found out she had made the women’s team after trying out with over 40 other players in New York and held Jul 18 to 30.

Jaime Chadwin, the coach at Chestnut Hill Academy in Pennsylvania, coached the USA boys’ team, while Shelly Flanner, a coach at Beaver High School in Boston, coached the girls.

Both coaches helped the players prepare for the competition and adjust their playing styles accordingly for the games.

“Flanner made us work to transition from defense to offense and it helped tremendously in the games,” Cannon said.

Going into the games, neither Fried nor Cannon knew what to expect, but were committed to playing to the best of their ability.

“We didn’t know how the competition was,” Cannon said. “We decided that we would go out strong.”

After arriving in Tel Aviv, the players spent five days in training camp and participated in Israel Connect, a program in which all of the athletes from the USA delegation had the opportunity to tour Israel.

The program took the players to famous sites such as the Red Sea, the City of David, Masada, and the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

“It’s not just about touring and sightseeing, it’s about the emotional connection,” Fried said. “Experiencing Masada made me proud to be Jewish.”

The boys’ team faced off against South Africa, Great Britain, Turkey and Canada in the preliminary rounds, winning each game by over 50 points. The girls’ team was equally

photo courtesy JOSH FRIED

TEAM UPDATES

Seniors Marissa Cannon, left, and Josh Fried celebrate their gold medal wins in basketball at the 2013 Maccabiah Games.

impressive, defeating Canada, Israel and Australia twice, all by over 30 points.

The USA boys’ team then moved on to the semifinals where they faced off Brazil, winning by over 25 points.

“The Brazilians are very tough,” Fried said.

“So it was actually a competitive game.”

The team capped off their impressive run with a victory over Israel, claiming the gold medal.

“Winning the championship game was very memorable,” Fried said. “It’s one the greatest experiences that you’ll have in a lifetime, something that you’ll never forget.”

The girls defeated Canada by 51 points in the final, winning the gold medal and setting a new record for the largest point differential ever in the Maccabiah girls final.

Junior quarterback looks to lead offensive attack for Vikes in first varsity season

By Caleb Kushner Last year in the NFL, young quarterbacks took the league by surprise, and that’s just what junior Evan Smith looks to do in his first year as starting quarterback for the Vikes.

Smith is leading the varsity offense as the first junior quarterback to start since the 2010 season.

Head Coach Jim Kuhn said that Smith is an “incredibly hard worker,” which is why he has secured this year’s starting spot.

Smith has had mixed results in his first three games. In his debut against Blake, Smith completed 60 percent of his passes for 187 yards, one touchdown and one interception, in addition to a rushing touchdown, in a Vikings win. Against a more formidable opponent, Quince Orchard, Smith threw for only 64 yards with two interceptions.

In his third game, against BCC he playede well with 137 yards with one touchdown.

This is Smith’s first season on the varsity team after two strong years as the starting quarterback on JV. He hopes his productivity on JV, where he threw 12 touchdowns in only eight games, will carry over into this fall season.

Besides needing to adjust to a quicker style of gameplay on varsity, Smith faces the challenge of having a relatively inexperienced and small

“Evan and I complement each other perfectly,” Morton said. “He opens up the run game for me and I open up the pass game for him.”

Morton isn’t the only playmaker on the offense.

Senior wide receiver Nick Newsham will be one of Smith’s most reliable targets down the field, as he was last season for quarterback Kevin McGowan.

“We’re trying to figure out different ways to get the ball in our playmakers’ hands in open space so they can capitalize on their skill set,” Smith said.

Newsham predicts an even more successful season than last year with the addition of Junior Evan Smith threw for 187 yards and scored two touchdowns in the Vikes’ a quarterback who has strong, deep field accuracy. season-opening win against Blake.

“Evan’s best attribute as a offensive line, with four juniors quarterback is his ability to and only one senior protecting throw the ball downfield with him in the pocket. accuracy, which was a problem “ W e ’ r e u n d e r s i z e d u p for us last year,” Newsham said. front,” junior starting offensive Morton and Newsham will lineman Matthew McClanahan give Smith two lethal offensive said. “But we can make up for threats in his first year at it with our athletic ability.” quarterback. Having elite Smith will rely on senior offensive players to rely on is running back Zac Morton to good for any young quarterback help on the offensive side of still adjusting to the varsity the ball. level of play, Smith said.

Last season, Morton broke With such a strong group W h i t m a n ’ s s i n g l e - s e a s o n of offensive players, Smith has rushing record with 1,383 confidence in his team’s ability yards and the single-game to win. rushing record with 283 yards.

“We are a very close team, Morton considers Smith’s Smith said. “We have more than game at quarterback to be enough talent to do big things completely compatible with this year.” his own. photo by CHRIS HANESSIAN

13

14

Sports

September 25, 2013

photo by TYLER JACOBSON

Top girls tennis player returns for final season

Senior Kamilla Beisenova is returning to girls tennis after a year spent focusing on tournament play and college recruitment.

by Sam Berson Whitman girls tennis will receive a huge boost this year as senior Kamilla Beisenova returns to the team to play for the Vikes this season.

Beisenova played on the team during her freshman and sophomore years, but took last season off to focus on tournament play, the basis for college recruiting.

Although Beisenova enjoys playing with her teammates at Whitman, she said there is more focus and strategy along with better competition when playing at a tournament.

“I enjoy how you have to analyze everything, like how you are going to play that specific match,” she said.

Beisenova hopes to play in college and understood that junior year was extremely important to the recruiting process “Junior year has a lot of stress with more work and also having to start thinking about colleges,” she said.

“It’s also a big time for recruiting and I wanted to focus on going to practice and playing more tournaments.”

The loss of Beisenova last year not only robbed the Vikes of their best player, but caused uneven matchups for the team when playing other schools.

“Losing a strong player like Kamilla had a big impact on the depth of our team,” senior Nicole Welch said. “Everyone had to play a position higher than they should have when a top player takes a year off, so that was hard.”

Although Beisenova will continue to play outside of Whitman, wanting to play with her Whitman teammates again convinced her to make a return. With the return of Beisenova, the Vikes hope to improve on

their 9-3 record last season.

Beisenova’s love of tennis began to develop when she was just six years old after her parents encouraged her to pick the game up. Beisenova started taking classes and lessons, and hasn’t stopped playing since.

For the past year she has been playing over 13 hours a week during the school year, and 30 hours during the summer, with much of that time coming from tournaments.

“The key to getting good is tournament play because that is what gets you mentally tougher,” girls tennis coach Jason Gohn said.

Beisenova’s teammates also agree she is one of the best players at Whitman.

“She’s very mentally focused throughout her matches and all of her experience playing tournaments last year has helped her improve,” Welch said. “Her game style is very aggressive and her biggest strength within her game is definitely her forehand.”

This summer Beisenova’s hard work paid off when she and her partner won the 16U doubles national championship in North Carolina.

“Winning that [finals] match meant a lot,” she said.

“It was a long three-setter and we beat a girl and her partner that we lost to in a previous tournament.”

During her finals match, crowds grew as fans came over from a men’s professional tournament to watch.

“We actually had random people gathering around our court to watch,” Beisenova said. “We had people come up to us and tell us we played well and how we had played better than the actual professionals they came to watch.”

By Tyler Jacobson In a sports world defined by nine-figure contracts, performance enhancing drugs, and extravagant purchases, Bethesda Little League achieves success while focusing on traditional and grassroots principles.

Founded in 2007, Bethesda Little League has grown substantially larger and more successful since its inception.

The league has expanded from four to ten teams and has progressed further than ever before in recent district and state tournaments.

Every summer, the league selects three all-star teams, 10, 11 and 12 and under, from the best players in the league. If the 12 and under team wins the district, state and Mid Atlantic regional tournaments, they travel to Williamsport, Pennsylvania to play in the internationally televised Little League World Series.

While the team has yet to travel to Williamsport, it has advanced farther each year. This past summer, the 12 and under team won their district tournament, advancing to play in the Maryland state tournament for the first time. The team finished as one of the top teams in the state. The 11 and under team also won their district and ended up finishing third in the state.

Sophomore Danny Mills played in the league from 2007 to 2010 and now plays baseball for Whitman.

“It’s pretty cool because it started off with four teams of local kids and now they are actually pulling together some good talent,” Mills said.

Even with all of the recent success, league founder and president Brant Hester said that the league is not about recruiting the best players or winning.

“People always think that we are trying to compete with the other area leagues but we are just a different experience,” Hester said. “If they are like chocolate or vanilla ice cream, we’re strawberry or mango.

The league doesn’t advertise like many other leagues do and is run entirely by volunteers. The league’s grassroots feel is seen in the numbers: BCC Baseball fields 3,000 kids, MSI Soccer—15,000, Bethesda Little League — a little over 100.

With so few kids, Hester focuses on making each one’s experience count.

“We want the kids who sleep with their gloves, get excited for opening day and really love the game,” Hester said.

“Those are the ones who stand out and really get it.”

Since there is only one league field, the small number of players, coaches and volunteers associated with the league see each other frequently, adding to the close knit feel of the league.

“Players and coaches and parents all get to know one another,” team manager Ray Thomas said.

Thomas has spent the last five years

photo courtesy GRANT HESTER

Bethesda Little League teaches commitment and respect for the game

The Bethesda Little League teaches kids skills beyond baseball, focusing on community relationships and love of the game. Since 2007, the league has expanded from four to 10 teams.

volunteering for the league, even after his son aged out of the league.

While teaching the kids baseball is one of the volunteers’ goals, the league also strives for something greater. One of the league’s mottos is “superior citizens not superior athletes.”

“The kids learn that,” Hester said.

“We make them pick up every piece of trash, we make them respect the uniform they are wearing.”

Thomas said that the league’s sense of community and emphasis on both baseball and life skills are what makes the league special. A number of those kids who “get it” have gone on to play high school baseball at Whitman and other area schools.

“We counted last year 18 or 20 kids from little league playing for their high schools,” Hester said. “It made us really proud.”

september 25, 2013

SPorts

15

Lesser-known sports at Whitman

Mainstream fall sports might be dominating the morning announcements, but there’s a whole host of unique sports that are flying under the radar. Teams like squash, water polo and sailing practice and compete in a different field.

Sailing

Water Polo Seniors Motoy Kuno Lewis and Julia Fraser had no previous knowledge of water polo before they got involved in the game, but they have come to love it.

Lewis is co-captain, and started playing in his sophomore year when the team was created.

The group has grown to about 30 students, with a large number of freshmen, Lewis said.

“Our team’s definitely growing bigger and we’re getting more support,” he said.

Lewis explains water polo as a mix of soccer and basketball, but played in a pool, where players must tread water the whole game. The two teams move the ball around by one handed passes to try to score a goal before a shot clock runs out.

Practices are at Landon, where the team rents pool time four days a week. They have to prepare for their games and tournaments throughout the season, including a tournament at the Naval Academy, Lewis said.

Even though the water polo team doesn’t have a perfect record, students still love to be part of the game.

“Water polo isn’t really like any other sport and, that’s one thing I like about it,” Lewis said.

photo courtesy JAMES IRELAND

photo courtesy JULIEN GUIOT

photo courtesy JACK MCPHERSON

by Sophia Glazer

Squash

Sailing team members junior Harris Cram and senior Julien Guiot have had their sea legs since they were little.

“I was on a boat three weeks after I was born,” Cram said.

Both Cram and Guiot prefer racing to relaxing, recreational sailing.

The team competes in the Maryland league.

For their races, they use small two-person boats called Flying Juniors.

“They are agile little boats,” Cram said. “They are really physical to sail, so it’s not just like you are sitting there turning a wheel; you have to use your body to make it work.”

Races consist of a circular course in which teams have to tack and jibe into the wind to complete a certain number of laps, Guiot said.

These maneuvers are done by letting out the main sail on one side and pulling it tightly on the other side so that the wind can push the boat in a different direction.

“Annapolis schools are starting to actually look at us and be like, ‘okay we have to look out for them,’” Cram said.

The sport offers a sense of independence and mobility that’s liberating, Guiot said.

“I guess it’s sort of an expression of freedom,” he said. “You can go anywhere you want if you know how to sail.”

For junior Jeremy Barnes, squash is a family affair.

“Both my parents have been playing since I was born and, my mom has been coaching since I was little,” Barnes, captain of the squash team, said. “I’d just go up to the squash club and hit around and I started getting better.”

The game is played on an inside court with two players using racquets to hit a ball back and forth and off the walls. Players earns points if their opponent can’t hit the ball back, or hits out of bounds.

The team competes in a league with other schools. Although practice season has begun, games do not start until the winter. Sophomore Sam Wenger feels competing against other schools drives him to improve his game.

“I like playing for competition, because I have to play better people to get better,” Wenger said.

Last year both the JV and Varsity teams won first place in their division, and the team hopes to continue their success.

“There’s a huge trophy that we won last year, and I hope we get to keep that up.”

Barnes said.

Lacrosse coach accepts additional position as ADHDÊCoachingÊForÊLIFEª assistant football coach • Support for Children and Adults

Emilia Malachowski Varsity boys lacrosse coach Michael Ricucci just isn’t a one sport kind of guy. He’s had experience playing and coaching football and spent the last two seasons leading the lacrosse team. Now, he’s tackling both sports at the same time, assuming the position of assistant varsity football coach.

Ricucci was offered the position two years ago by head coach Jim Kuhn, but he declined in order to focus on the boys lacrosse team. After two strong lacrosse seasons finishing 9-7 each year, Ricucci said he grew nostalgic for football and decided to accept Kuhn’s offer.

“I left football to develop the attitude and foundation of the lacrosse program at Whitman I felt was necessary to succeed,” Ricucci said.

Senior Matt Howell, who plays football and lacrosse, said he appreciates Ricucci’s experience in both sports.

“He understands both games really well,” he said.

Football has been in Ricucci’s blood ever since he began attending Seneca Valley football games with his father as a fiveyear-old. Ricucci grew up playing football for the Seneca Sports

Association, and he joined the football team at Seneca Valley High School.

Ricucci attended Salisbury University, where he chose to play lacrosse over football. However, he never stopped supporting the Seneca Valley Eagles.

“I knew I wanted to coach as soon as I graduated,” Ricucci said.

“I came home every Friday night through college to help out where I could, as my younger brother was a player at Seneca Valley.”

After college, Seneca Valley recruited Ricucci for their coaching staff, and from 2005 to 2010 he served as their varsity defensive backs coach and codefensive coordinator. In 2010, Ricucci left Seneca to coach varsity lacrosse at Whitman. He has now come full-circle and returned to football.

One of the reasons Ricucci agreed to the position was in the hope that his lacrosse and football players would play for both teams—bringing out the best in each team. He admits that that’s still a work in progress.

“We love having Ricucci coach with us,” Kuhn said. “He’s a fantastic coach who pays a lot of attention to details and he has been a welcomed addition to the staff.”

• Specializing in Professional and Academic Transitions

• Focus on Moving Forward in all Areas of Life and Work • Daily Check-Ins • Flexible Schedule Candace Sahm, MA Ed/HD contact: coach@candacesahm.com Positive Learning Experiences, LLC • A Coaching Approach to Tutoring • ADHD Specialists / SAT-ACT Prep

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16

Q&A

September 25, 2013

Mon Ami Gabi Chef Andrew Fleischauer discusses his experience in cooking school, dynamics of a working kitchen

By Emma Anderson, Catherine Waye, and Sophia Glazer

B&W: Do you like being an executive chef over a line cook? Do you like having more responsibilities?

AF: There are different responsibilities to each job. As a line cook, all I had to worry about was a specific number of dishes, five or six, and just being ready for the service. As a chef I have to worry about staffing, sanitation, ordering and every aspect that goes on in the kitchen, whether I’m here or not. I don’t really do much cooking and I miss that aspect of it. But, I enjoy the organizational aspect of being a chef and creating an atmosphere in the kitchen.

Andrew Fleischauer, the five-year executive chef of Mon Ami Gabi in Bethesda, found his love of cuisine in his mother’s kitchen in Massachusetts.

His culinary dream lead him to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France where he studied cuisine and pastry and received the grand diploma. He returned to the states to work at the Meridien Hotel in Boston and then became sous chef at the five-star Inn at Little Washington in Virginia. He then went to the Maestro at the Ritz Carlton in Tysons Corner and the Tower Club to be the executive chef. After four and a half years there, Fleischauer found himself at Mon Ami Gabi and has been there ever since.

Black & White: Have you always wanted to be a chef?

Andrew Fleischauer: That’s the only job I have ever had. As a kid, I learned a lot from my mom. She was always cooking and baking so that’s really what inspired me. I just took it and made it a profession. I worked at a little ice cream stand in Massachusetts for my first job and I have always been interested in food and cooking.

I went to France because my dad said anybody can go to a culinary school in this country, but France is where it all started. It’s the best so why not go and learn from the best?

B&W: What was your experience like at Le Cordon Bleu?

AF: I spent about a year there. It was the best experience of my life; spending a year in Paris, in a different country was just amazing. I learned so much about food.

B&W: Julia Child also attended Le Cordon Bleu. Did you get to meet her?

AF: I did meet her. She actually came out and did a demo while I was there and she was an amazing person.

B&W: What is your favorite dish?

AF: In terms of eating, I like seafood a lot, being from Massachusetts. There is a lot of fish and seafood up there, fresh lobster in particular.

I like cooking with anything that is really fresh.

B&W: What was life like in Paris?

AF: I made a lot of friends and learned a lot about cuisine and pastry, not just from the school but just being in a culture that was much more centered around food. Even if people didn’t know how to cook they appreciated food in a different way than anywhere I had been in this country.

B&W: What did you learn from living in a different country?

AF: It was my first time out of the country and even out of the East Coast. I was sheltered and narrow minded, so going to live in another country that speaks another language was very eye opening. The first three months I was there I lived with a French family and the father said to me, “The sooner you realize that absolutely everything is different, the easier things will be.” It was a great experience and I realized just because somebody does something different doesn’t mean they are better or worse, it’s just different. It was a great life lesson to learn and something I carry with me still.

SGA “

B&W: Where do you get your food from?

AF: We use the Bethesda Market here a lot and we have a couple of Amish farmers that bring us products. Right now the strawberries and asparagus are excellent so making something with that is exciting.

B&W: What’s the dynamic like in the kitchen? Stressful?

AF: In the morning when we are preparing for service I try to keep things pretty light-hearted and we joke around quite a bit. Once we open our doors and we have orders coming in things get much more serious, especially if we’re very busy. We still try to keep it loose because if it gets real serious guys get tense and things tend to happen that aren’t the best.

B&W: What’s your favorite thing about your job?

AF: I really like the people that I work with;.

Being with all the cooks; it’s really a big family. A lot of them have been here longer than I have so I’ve spent a lot of time with them over the past five years. I really enjoy that aspect of it.

SPEAKS

” announcements: the leaderSHIP never sinks

Marcela Falk-Bados Falk-Bados Jorge Richardson Marcela VICE-PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT PRESIDENT

Kendall Emily Harburg Eisenberg TREASURER

We’ll be filming our submission to the Katy Perry videoFair contest Friday - May be there!

Spring is Thursday, 28 4:30-6:30 May 23 is also the LLS month pep rally and the PowGeneral Assembly meeting on Friday, September 27, derPuff football game all 4th period class delegates should attend Class officer speeches are May 28, and elections are May 29 Battle of the Classes tryouts October 9 & 10 Have a great summer!

Support VP MarcelaPAGE Falk-Bados by donating LIKE OUR FACEBOOK FOR SGA NEWS: to her team and participating in the Leukemia Lymphoma facebook.com/whitmansga Society’s Light the Night Walk on October 12 Homecoming week is less than a month away, listen up for announcements and get excited!

Jenna Kantor SECRETARY

Rachel Ordan SECRETARY

Class Officers:

‘13 ‘14 ‘15 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘16

Elizabeth Marissa Hosker, Meyer,Leslie Mark Schwed, Norris, Abraar ValerieAhmad Acker Jonny Rasch, KatieMarcela Sullivan,Falck-Bados, Mia Carmel Jorge Richardson, Mark Norris Rachel Jenna Hosker, Ordan, Selvi Mia Carmel, Ulusan,Jonny Carolyn Rasch Hoover Keara Kueho Michael Choi, Hoover Sophia Zambri JacobSullivan, Blitz, Selvi Ulusan, Carolyn